If you love hearty, cheesy comfort food, this Cheesy Mexican Beef and Pasta Casserole is an easy dinner recipe the whole family will enjoy. Tender pasta is combined with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, corn, beans, and plenty of melted cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. It is an affordable family dinner recipe that comes together with simple pantry ingredients and makes a filling meal for busy weeknights.
This Mexican-inspired pasta casserole is also perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready for dinner. With bold taco-style flavors and a creamy, cheesy finish, it is the kind of easy casserole recipe that quickly becomes a regular on the weekly menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with everyday ingredients
- Ready in about 45 minutes
- A great ground beef dinner recipe for busy nights
- Packed with cheesy, Mexican-inspired flavors
- Budget-friendly and filling
- Excellent for leftovers and meal prep
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
For the Beef and Pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) penne, rotini, or elbow pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional
How to Make Cheesy Mexican Beef and Pasta Casserole
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Avoid overcooking because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add the Mexican-Style Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the beef is evenly coated with the spices.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, corn, and black beans. Stir everything together and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Make the Cheesy Beef Mixture
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
Add the cooked pasta and stir gently until the pasta is completely coated with the beef mixture.
Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese until partially melted.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack over the top.
6. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese is completely melted.
For a more golden cheese topping, place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch it carefully so the cheese does not burn.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories: Varies depending on ingredients and portion size
Tips for the Best Mexican Beef Pasta Casserole
Don’t overcook the pasta. Cooking it just until al dente keeps it from becoming mushy during baking.
Use freshly shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheddar and Monterey Jack generally melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust the spice level. For a mild casserole, use regular taco seasoning. For more heat, add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Brown the beef well. Properly browning the ground beef adds extra flavor to the entire casserole.
Let it rest before serving. A few minutes of resting helps the sauce thicken and makes the casserole easier to serve.
Easy Variations
You can easily customize this Mexican casserole recipe based on what you have available.
For extra vegetables, add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or chopped spinach.
For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef and substitute plain Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream.
If you love spicy food, add sliced jalapeños, green chiles, hot salsa, or your favorite Mexican hot sauce.
You can also replace the ground beef with shredded chicken for a delicious chicken pasta casserole variation.
For extra creaminess, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the beef mixture along with the sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy casserole with a simple green salad, avocado slices, or steamed vegetables.
For a complete Mexican-inspired dinner, add toppings such as:
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Green onions
- Fresh lime juice
A spoonful of guacamole on top is especially delicious.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This is an excellent make-ahead dinner recipe. Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
If baking directly from the refrigerator, add approximately 10 minutes to the baking time.
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole covered in a 350°F oven until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, shells, elbow macaroni, and bow-tie pasta all work well. Choose a sturdy pasta that can hold the thick beef and cheese sauce.
Can I make this casserole without beans?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the black beans or replace them with extra corn or diced bell peppers.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to one day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
How can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, green chiles, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot salsa to the beef mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Mexican Beef and Pasta Casserole is an easy, satisfying meal that combines everything you want in a comforting weeknight dinner: seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, hearty beans and corn, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese.
Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner, a budget-friendly meal, or a make-ahead casserole for busy evenings, this recipe is a delicious option. Serve it with your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings, and you’ll have a warm, filling dinner that is perfect for sharing.
